Toronto — As part of the inspiring possibilities that World Pride has generated, Toronto is rolling out the rainbow carpet for those wishing to get hitched. Along with the grand mass wedding planned at Casa Loma, and the “I Do at the Carlu” event, Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) is hosting a free group wedding of intimate proportions within nature’s warm embrace. All LGBTQ lovebirds planning to renew their vows or make their commitment official are invited to participate in a group wedding ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 at 3 p.m. The ceremony takes place in a new outdoor venue guaranteed to flaunt the rainbow colours of nature, TBG’s Perennial Border. For those wishing for a personalized wedding experience surrounded by nature’s beauty and a supportive community, this event is for you. Pre-registration is required for couples, as capacity is limited (max. 20 couples). An application form is available online at www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/bigfabgaywed.

Once confirmed, a wedding planner from Imprint Weddings is available to guide couples through the process. From handheld bouquets to large-scale installations, a BIG FAB team of Toronto’s top florists, including Berries & Blooms, eco| stems, Opening Night Flowers and Sweetpea’s, bring the wow factor through stunning floral combinations. Personalized, eco-friendly bouquets and boutonnieres are provided for each couple.

The BIG FAB photographer from Kate Hood Photography is onsite to capture the I do’s, along with a social media concierge who shares TBG’s Pride with the world. A stylish, festive and FAB outdoor reception follows the ceremony sponsored by a trio of caterers, à la Carte Kitchen, Eatertainment and en Ville.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the stories we received from the couples already registered for My Big Fab Gay Garden Wedding, as well as the incredible support we’ve received from our event partners”, according to Liz Hood, director of education at Toronto Botanical Garden. “We know that the ability to marry the person you love is a human right that many couples in our global community cannot access. We’re proud to share the beauty and diversity of our gardens with the beautiful diversity of our LGBTQ family.”

The first couple to sign up was Carrie Ann and Lindsay who live in a small town outside Belleville. They fell in love in 2009 and have been inseparable ever since. “Wow!” exclaims Carrie Ann, when informed that her application was accepted. “What a once in a lifetime experience! Marrying the love of my life in such a beautiful venue at World Pride! Can it get any better?”

Engaged couple, Randy and Jason, are in the process of relocating to Toronto and are thrilled to participate in this mass wedding. “The surroundings, with all of the beautiful flowers, along with the fact that it is World Pride, makes this occasion such a milestone in our lives,” writes Randy. “We love meeting new people, and to share our special day with other couples will make memories that last a lifetime.”

To add a lasting legacy, Toronto Botanical Garden is planting a Venus dogwood tree to mark this special occasion. All guests will be asked to write love notes and personal wishes on white cards to tie onto the “wish tree”. The wish tree concept was first created by Yoko Ono as an interactive installation for peace and has been reinterpreted by cultural institutions all over the globe.